Who we are
Meet Our Advisers
Alison James
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence and Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012....
More >Cairn Smith
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With over 20 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a...
More >James Miller
James became an Independent Financial Adviser in 2006 and has worked in financial services since 1983, building up over 35 years’ of financial services experience working in a number of roles for various life offices before becoming an IFA. He is level 4 qualified and provides clients with a full range of holistic financial planning...
More >Jim Stewart
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions – ‘Are you sure that this is the right club?’ for example. Maybe it’s time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value...
More >Louis Murray
Louis joined Spence and Spence in April 2022, having worked previously as a Financial Adviser at a wealth management firm in Edinburgh. Louis holds a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is working towards gaining Chartered Status. He is passionate about providing first class advice and service to his clients which Louis believes is best...
More >Mike Fryer
Originally from London, Mike has worked in Financial Services since 1989 starting his career with RBS. Mike has lived in Scotland since 1999. Mike is a Chartered Financial Planner and is level 6 Advanced Diploma qualified with 33 years’ experience across a wide range of roles to include IFA, Private Banking and Compliance. In his...
More >Paul Mitchell
Paul has worked in financial services for over 30 years, predominately working with law firms in the property sector, both as a Mortgage/ Insurance Consultant and also as a Property Manager/Valuer. He is a member of the Society of Mortgage Professionals, The Chartered Insurance Institute and the Personal Finance Society and he holds the Level...
More >
Alison James
Position: Chartered Financial Planner
Email: alison@spenceandspence.com
About me
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence and Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012.
Alison is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, which represent some of the highest qualification levels in financial services. Alison also holds specialist qualifications for occupational pension transfers, equity release and long term care. Additionally, Alison has also recently achieved a STEP Worldwide Excellence Award and now holds the STEP Certificate for Financial Services (Trusts and Estate Planning) with the accolade of being named as one of the highest-scoring students worldwide in 2021.
Cairn Smith
Position: Independent Financial Adviser
Email: cairn@spenceandspence.com
About me
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With over 20 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a personal and professional service that is tailored to their needs. Cairn strongly believes that in order to ensure that his clients reach their agreed goals, financial advice requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. In his spare time Cairn is a keen golfer.
James Miller
Position: Independent Financial Adviser
Email: jamesmiller@spenceandspence.com
About me
James became an Independent Financial Adviser in 2006 and has worked in financial services since 1983, building up over 35 years' of financial services experience working in a number of roles for various life offices before becoming an IFA. He is level 4 qualified and provides clients with a full range of holistic financial planning services. Clients range from private individuals and families to small to medium size businesses. In his spare time, James is an avid football and rugby supporter.
Jim Stewart
Position: Independent Financial Adviser
Email: jim@spenceandspence.com
About me
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions - 'Are you sure that this is the right club?' for example.
Maybe it's time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value for money on my investments, will my family be sufficiently provided for should something happen to me?
These are just some questions that you may wish to consider, and ones that Jim would be more than happy to speak to you about. With forty years' experience in the Financial Services industry, advising and working in both Group Pensions and individual wealth management, he is sure he can come up with a solution that will help you to achieve your financial plans and goals.
Louis Murray
Position: Independent Financial Adviser
Email: louis@spenceandspence.com
About me
Louis joined Spence and Spence in April 2022, having worked previously as a Financial Adviser at a wealth management firm in Edinburgh. Louis holds a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is working towards gaining Chartered Status. He is passionate about providing first class advice and service to his clients which Louis believes is best achieved by undertaking a comprehensive and holistic approach to a client’s circumstances. Before working in Financial Services, Louis was a professional golfer and in his spare time he still enjoys competing regularly.
Mike Fryer
Position: Chartered Financial Planner
Email: mike@spenceandspence.com
About me
Originally from London, Mike has worked in Financial Services since 1989 starting his career with RBS. Mike has lived in Scotland since 1999. Mike is a Chartered Financial Planner and is level 6 Advanced Diploma qualified with 33 years’ experience across a wide range of roles to include IFA, Private Banking and Compliance. In his spare time, Mike enjoys watching TV and going to the cinema.
Paul Mitchell
Position: Independent Mortgage & Insurance Adviser
Email: paulmitchell@spenceandspence.com
About me
Paul has worked in financial services for over 30 years, predominately working with law firms in the property sector, both as a Mortgage/ Insurance Consultant and also as a Property Manager/Valuer. He is a member of the Society of Mortgage Professionals, The Chartered Insurance Institute and the Personal Finance Society and he holds the Level 4 Advanced Mortgage Advice qualification as well as qualifications in the areas of Equity Release, Insurance and general financial services. Paul has built up his knowledge of property and associated financial services over the years by working in both advisory and management roles and specialises in mortgage and insurance advice. Outside of work, Paul is a keen cyclist and amateur musician.